Middletown High School Football Star Returning To Coach Program

MIDDLETOWN, CT — One of the most celebrated football players in Middletown High School history is returning to his alma mater as head coach.

The appointment of Dario Highsmith Jr. as the new head football coach at MHS was announced Thursday.

Highsmith, a 2015 MHS graduate and former Gatorade Connecticut Football Player of the Year (2013-2014), returns to lead the program where he first made his mark as a standout student-athlete. In 2015, he was named the Bill Lee Male Athlete of the Year by the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance.

"Dario's journey from star player to head coach exemplifies the excellence we strive for in Middletown Public Schools," Middletown Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vazquez Matos said. "His homecoming represents our commitment to growing our own."

Highsmith brings coaching experience from Wesleyan University, where he helped lead the Cardinals to the 2023 NESCAC championship as wide receivers coach. Under him, several players achieved All-Conference and All-American honors.

Prior to Wesleyan, Highsmith coached at Don Bosco Preparatory School in New Jersey.

"Coming home to coach at Middletown High School is a dream come true," Highsmith said. "This program shaped me as both an athlete and person, and now I'm excited to pay that forward. The Highsmith family has deep roots here, and it means the world to us to contribute to the community's future. We're building more than football players — we're developing young leaders who will make a positive impact. This is about legacy and giving back to the place that gave us so much."

After graduating from MHS, Highsmith earned a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Wesleyan in 2020. He currently serves as program coordinator and lead recruiter for Wesleyan Upward Bound, a mentoring program for "underrepresented" high school students.

Athletic Director Elisha De Jesus said of the appointment added, "Dario understands what it means to be a Blue Dragon. His experience as a player and coach gives him a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our student-athletes. His passion, knowledge, and commitment to their development make him the perfect fit to lead our football program."

Highsmith's hiring is effective immediately and his plans include meeting the team and starting off-season preparations soon.